Man’s best friend welcome

Sometimes, one of the worst things about leaving your house for a few hours, is leaving behind someone who you know will be waiting at the door with dogged devotion for your return. Rennie Grove Hospice Care prides itself on offering events that cater for the whole family, and its Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on Sunday 4 September is no exception. For this event, the invitation even extends to dogs. Four-legged family members take part for free and they can frolic in the fields and scamper through the scrub as they put their best paw forward along the route of the Chilterns Ridgeway.

Whether you and your canine companion choose to take on the five mile, nine mile or 18 mile option, you’ll both be able to board the bus back to your car or between peaks because Arriva Buses very kindly allow dogs for the day. And as you admire your hard-earned medal marking your achievement, your furry friend can celebrate his or her accomplishment with a tasty dog biscuit donated by Prince’s Pets in Princes Risborough.

Rennie Grove Director of Fundraising, Gillian Barnett, said: “It’s great that so many dogs of assorted shapes and sizes join us for the walk each year. It really adds to the atmosphere on the day. Some of the dogs must end up doing twice the distance that their owners cover because they’re constantly running back and forth with new-found friends! We’re really grateful to Arriva for letting dogs on board the buses, and to Prince’s Pets for helping us cater for their snack requirements.”

Arriva donate the use of 10 double decker buses manned by volunteer drivers for the day. They transport 5 mile walkers back to their cars from Wendover after they’ve tackled two peaks; 9 mile walkers on to the third and final peak and then back to their cars as they finish alongside the 18-milers. Along with other event sponsors like Bucks Building Society and Prince’s Pets, Arriva make the event possible and ensure more of the money raised can go directly towards helping patients with cancer and other life-limiting illness.